Botswana and Zimbabwe have moved to deepen bilateral cooperation aimed at unlocking trade, investment and sectoral collaboration between the two neighbouring countries.

This emerged at the just-ended fifth Botswana/Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission, held in Harare.

The commission, co-chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and counterpart Duma Boko, underscored high-level political commitment to strengthen mutual relations between the two countries.

Zimbabwe's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Albert Chimbindi, said both countries have to do their best in unlocking untapped economic potential, particularly in trade and investment.

"In the area of trade and investment, both countries recognise that trade volumes remain below potential. Opportunities also exist to enhance beneficiation and jointly develop value chains in mining, agriculture, and manufacturing while leveraging the SADC and African Continental Free Trade Area agreements to expand market access."

For his part, Botswana's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations, Thuso Ramodimoosi, said the BNC remains a critical platform for consolidating ties between Botswana and Zimbabwe.

"This session will advance deliberations aimed at accelerating progress in strategic areas of cooperation. Key focus areas include agriculture, health, energy, education, tourism, infrastructure development, and border security."

Between 2018 and 2023, Botswana's exports to Zimbabwe grew by 3.57% annually, whereas Zimbabwe's exports to Botswana decreased by 4% annually over the same period.